How a Good Back Up Plan Will Save Your Bacon. (Part 1 of 2)

I apologize if, you in fact, are a pig- but this is shiznit you need to know!

BACK UP YOUR HARD DRIVE REGULARLY.

How would you feel if you lost every family picture and video you had from the last 5 years?  That would be stinky- right?

You can never be sure when your computer’s gonna take a big plopper, so be ready.

The Creative Home Movie Step-by Step Guide to Keeping Your Pics and Movies Safe(r)

oooh- shiny.

1.) Buy an External Hard Drive

See what hook-ups you have on your computer.

If you’re a guy- then you already know. Warning.  If you’re a sensitive feminist nut, skip to step #2.

If you’re a gal- please just check anyway. (Only post a nasty comment if you’re first guess was right.  Be honest.)

In order of slowest interface to fastest:

USB 2

Firewire

Firewire 800

USB 3

E-Seta

Thunderbolt

• Buy a large capacity hard drive with the fastest connection your computer supports.  (It should be AT LEAST equal in capacity to the sum capacity of the storage on your computer)

2.) Get Backing Up!

For MAC USERS:

Unpack and admire your new shiny hard drive.

Plug it in.

Launch Time Machine and open the preferences.

Choose the new drive as your target drive

Go back to downloading pictures of cute kittens hanging from tree branches. (or whatever else sick thing you’re into.)

For  PC USERS:

Unpack your new hard drive.

Inventory the software that came bundled with it

Follow the manufacturer instructions for instalation

Install the backup software that came bundled with your new hard drive

Spend a few frustrating hours trying to see if works or if it has unregistered a number of other devices on your system.

Reinstall the software 2 more times and say a prayer to the pagon god of your choice.

Cross your fingers, and face West when you start your first backup.

GOOD JOB.  Now you’re stuff is safe(ish)

You’re free to devote more energy to making awesome home movies!

You have always been my favorite (feminist nut) student!  ;)